This past week I believe we have completed (for the most part) the adjustment to the new time zone. It is still a bit odd to us that it doesn’t really get dark until 11 p.m. and then starts getting light again around 4 a.m., but we’re managing. We have gotten out and about exploring the area close by and we have discovered we are in a wonderful, beautiful, perfectly-located, charming little town. We have enjoyed running and hiking on trails right around town next to the river. We took a family hike along the same path that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson, finding a cave that he mentioned being an inspiration to him. We also scaled the 246 extremely narrow, steep steps to the top of the William Wallace National Memorial. Every where we go in our town we can look up and see the Wallace Monument (kind of like Table Rock for Morgantonians!) so it was great to see it up close and enjoy the breath-taking views of this beautiful land from the top of the monument. We have also discovered some practical little things that are familiar enough to bring comfort yet different enough to bring adventure. The boys have discovered a great park just down the street and they already have cards at the local library and are participating in a summer reading program. Laura ran in a road race this morning and did quite well. The kids and I were planning to come and watch, but rain and Katherine’s nap kept us away. It will be my turn to run in the next one if it be found close by! We have most definitely been enjoying “taking life as it comes”, but yet we do want to start taking some day trips and perhaps a couple of overnights so we’ll have to start making some plans. We are really enjoying this experience. Scotland is feeling strangely comfortable.
Sermon preparation and study have been giving me an outlet for theological reflection so I haven’t done as much of that on the blog lately. The entire Sabbatical experience continues to be a rewarding, restful and enriching gift for which I am so grateful.
-MRB
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| The Pastor and a pair of wee Scots at the kirk. |
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| The adventurers find the cave which is believed to help provide inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's classic Treasure Island |
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| A cold, rainy, windy day on top of the Wallace Monument |
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| Enjoying the nearby park. |
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| A view of Bridge of Allan from the Wallace Monument - note the church spire in the center |
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| My Scottish beatuies - as lovely as the thistle. |
